The Beach Boys – Surf’s Up

“Columnated ruins domino…”

Quite simply one of the most beautiful lyrics ever written – and one of the strangest too.
Full of layers of surreal symbolism, it’s the product of the truly unique imagination of the
lyrical genius Van Dyke Parks (with the help of some very illegal substances).

Creating image upon image, the words flowing, perfectly fitting Brian Wilson’s incredible
ode to the sea. The song’s lyrics were so unusual that they actually caused friction
within the band, with Beach Boy Mike Love complaining that they were nonsensical, and
would alienate their fans. The song was shelved for a few years as a result, but
thankfully couldn’t be hidden away for too long!

Bob Dylan – Masters of War

“I think you will find/When your death takes its toll/All the money you made/Will
never buy back your soul…”
The protest song to end all protest songs, Dylan voiced the concerns of a generation
when he penned this anti-war lyric. With Vietnam raging, and conscription forcing young
Americans to fight in a war they didn’t understand, the lyrics captured all of their rage,
fear and disgust perfectly. Sung in the first person, from the point of view of a young
man who doesn’t want to be forced to join the army, makes the song all the more
personal. The melody here is so simple, and yet this song has been covered by more
artists than you can count – it’s all thanks to those incredibly powerful lyrics.